Shaking Off the Cobwebs

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

By Jon Newberry

There is still a week until players are required to report to Hawks training camp, but action on the practice court at Philips Arena has already started heating up over a week ago. Last Tuesday’s pick-up games featured Joe Johnson, J-Smoove, Jeff Teague and Jordan Crawford. It was not just in-house talent though, as Jerry Stackhouse and former Hawk/current Pacer Solomon Jones were both getting some run. Outside of the familiar faces there are always some young free-agents and plenty of D-League talent that fills up the spots on the floor. How exactly the players are invited and the games, times, parking, etc. are coordinated is still somewhat of a mystery.

A group of us took in some of the action from the sidelines and Joe looked to be in midseason form. His two shots from long range were pure and he showed some explosiveness on a few drives into the lane. Jordan Crawford’s style of play is perfect for pickup games and he was aggressive as always, despite sharing the backcourt duties with Stackhouse, a guy with 15 more years experience in the NBA. Crawford showed off his offensive versatility, scoring from behind the arc, with pull up jumpers and added a floater in the lane.

Hometeam and Hawks.com caught up with Joe after the games:
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Marvin Visits Sekou and Lang on the Hangtime Podcast

Marvin Williams joined Sekou Smith and Lang Whittaker on NBA.com’s Hangtime Podcast and sounded excited about getting started this season. You can listen to the entire podcast HERE. Some of Marvin’s thoughts are included below.

On the state of his game at this stage in his career:“I feel like, the year I averaged 15 I really got to the foul line a lot. I shot a ton of free throws. I think last year I kind of got away from that. I have to get back to attacking that basket. Once I get back to attacking the basket it will open things up for my mid-range jump shot and my three-point shot.”

On the team continuing to increase the Hawks win total:“We have to make that jump man. We have to be committed. We have to buy into what coach Drew wants us to do, and we have to do it early. Everybody has to put their trust in him, which they will.”

There is plenty more in the podcast. Click forward to the 12-minute mark to get to where Marvin joins the program.

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